Much has changed since many drivers in British Columbia took their driving test, and if they had to do it again 40% would fail. That according to a study conducted the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

83,000 B.C. residents took mart in the ICBC’s Drive Smart Refresher Test and hardly performed well in terms of modern testing standards.

“The results show that we could use some improvement,” says the public monopoly auto insurer. “If the refresher test were treated like the knowledge test, which requires a minimum score of 80 per cent to obtain a learner’s licence, over 18,000 (40 per cent) would have failed.”

The initial number was given by the ICBC at the start of the month when 45,000 had participated. By time 83,100 had taken part the average score had improved to 79%. Data compiled by the company shows drivers in the province had difficulty with:

what to do around emergency vehicles

minimum following distances, and

the meaning of road signs.

One of the most interesting aspects of the test regard distracted driving. Almost all questions related to using an electronic device while driving were answered perfectly. Considering 34,000 tickets were given in B.C. for this offence during 2017, there is a clear divide.

We have often argued that drivers are fully aware of the consequences of distracted driving and laws surrounding the infraction. However, motorists are clearly willing to risk punishment by continuing to use their devices behind the wheel.

Here are some of the top questions that were answered incorrectly:

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on highways with speed limits of under 80 km/h, in addition to changing lanes, drivers must slow to: 40 km/h

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on highways with speed limits of 80 km/h or over, in addition to changing lanes, drivers must slow to: 70 km/h.

The minimum following distance when behind a large vehicle or a motorcycle on a high speed road, should be: 3 seconds.

The minimum following distance in bad weather or slippery conditions on high speed roads, should be: 4 seconds.

Drivers are required to yield to a public transit bus that is signalling to enter traffic: on all roads where the speed limit is 60km/h or lower.?